International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is commitment to recognizing the sacrifice of peacekeepers serving under the United Nations who have been detained or have gone missing during their service. The purpose of the event is to recognize the peacekeepers' dedication and risk in maintaining peace and security and to remember those who lost their freedom or life in the line of duty. It does not limit to remembering them but also focuses on the need for safety and security of peacekeepers, urging all nations to ensure their protection.

India, long committed to the global cause of peacekeeping, has lost peacekeepers who have become detainees or are missing from their duties. In recognition of their sacrifice, the Observance gains particular significance. Since being one of the founding members of the United Nations in 1945, India has provided more than 200,000 troops and police personnel for peacekeeping operations, reinforcing its commitment to global peace. There have been unfortunate incidences of Indian peacekeepers being detained and gone missing in line of duty, of relevance to the citizens of India.

In India, the Observance of Detained and Missing Peacekeepers is marked with solemn ceremonies involving the political and military leadership of the nation. The events include speeches, story sharing, and tributes to the brave men and women who risk their lives for global peace. India also has a National War Memorial dedicated to soldiers including peacekeepers, where wreaths are laid to honour them every year. This observance occurs each year on 25 March.

Facts about this day

• According to the United Nations (UN), there are more than 14,000 civilians serving in UN peacekeeping operations around the world.
• This day remembers Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Collett was abducted by armed gunmen in 1985 while helping Palestine refugees in the Middle East. His body was eventually found in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley in 2009.
• In 2007, India became the first country to send an all-female unit to a UN peacekeeping mission. The all-women police unit, sent to Liberia, played a crucial role in helping to restore peace and stability in the country.
• The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), India’s largest paramilitary force, has been engaged in UN Peacekeeping operations in Haiti since 2008. Despite challenging circumstances and major calamities like the earthquake in 2010, the force has been steadfast and committed to their mission.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Review the UN General Assembly's adopted resolution to help protect UN personnel.
• Watch a video about the different member states showing their support for UN personnel.
• Get Involved With NGOs: Non-governmental organizations often hold events or actions for these types of international days. Many Indian organizations work on issues of human rights, so one could easily get in touch and participate.
• Join in on Online Campaigns: Raising awareness through social media campaigns is also common. This could be done by circulating relevant content about the safety and rights of staff members.